Redskins’ Kirk Cousins Play is Peaking at the Perfect Time
By Chris West
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) sacks Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Before the Washington Redskins game in week seven of the current NFL season, I wrote an article questioning if Redskins coach Jay Gruden could be fired. The attached poll had 75% of the votes go to him being fired during or after the 2015 season. In the article, I also questioned whether the Redskins might bench Kirk Cousins and turn to Robert Griffin III or Colt McCoy if they lost to Tampa Bay and Cousins played poorly.
What a difference two months later as the Redskins are set to host their first playoff game since January, 2012 as NFC East champions. When Cousins led the Redskins back from a 24-0 first half deficit to beat the Buccaneers 31-30, he showed a glimpse of what he could do as Washington’s quarterback. In that game, Cousins was forced to throw down the field to bring the team back from behind and showed himself very capable of doing so with what was then his best game as a pro quarterback.
After the Tampa Bay game however, head coach Jay Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay still did not seem to trust Cousins as they continued to call short passing routes and encourage more outlet passes rather than attacking down the field. Cousins had a perfect passer rating versus the New Orleans Saints but still only 4 of his 20 completions traveled more than 3 yards past the line of scrimmage. The Redskins followed the game versus Tampa Bay and their bye week by losing 3 of their 5 games.
Due to the weak seasons by all four of the teams in the NFC East, the Redskins still controlled their own destiny after beating the New York Giants at the end of November but lost to the Dallas Cowboys the following week. At that point they went on the road, where they were then winless on the season, to play the Chicago Bears. The reins were seemingly released on Cousins versus Chicago as he attacked the Bears defense with ease and used his star tight end Jordan Reed to phenomenal success down the middle of the field.
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The Redskins won that game 24-21, their first road win of the season, as Cousins completed 24 of his 31 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown to Jordan Reed. Cousins followed up the win over Chicago with a masterful performance versus the Buffalo Bills in a 35-25 victory back home at Fedex stadium. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns in what was what I believe to be the best game of his career.
The Redskins then secured the division title with their 38-24 victory in Philadelphia. Cousins continued to attack the Eagles defense down the field and finished with 31 completions out of 46 attempts for 365 yards and four more touchdowns. Throughout the Redskins three game win streak, Cousins growing confidence was evident.
The more trust that Gruden and McVay showed in Cousins, the better he performed. As the Redskins prepare for the playoffs, Cousins will probably play sparingly versus the Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday. He will get some much deserved rest as he intends to attack whoever the opponent is the following week with the Redskins new found lethal passing game.